Marine-illusion apparatus.



PATENTED AUG. 15, 1905.

I E. 0. BOYCE.

MARINE ILLUSION APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED MAY I, 1904.

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No. 797,095. PATENTED AUG. 15, 1905.'

E. G. BOYCE.

MARINE ILLUSION APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 7. 1904.

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MARINE ILLUSION APPARATUS. APPLICATION FILED MAY 7, 1904.

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No; 797,095. A PATENTED AUG. 15, 1905. E. 0. BOYCE,

MARINE ILLUSION APPARATUS.

APPLICATION .FILED MAY E1904.

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PATENTED AUG. 15, 1905.-

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MARINE ILLUSION APPARATUS..

APPLICATION FILED HAY 7, 1904.

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PATENTED AUG;15, 1905.

E. 0. BOYCE. MARINE ILLUSION APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED KAY 7. 1904.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

EDWARD c. Boron, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

MARINE-ILLUSION APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed May 7, 1904. Serial No. 206,849. 4

pertains to make and use the same, reference being bad to the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification.

In the art of so-called amusement or pleasure apparatus, a great variety of specimens of which is found at some pleasure resorts, it has become most desirable to provide apparatus which will give to the passengers or pleasure seekers some novel sensation or illusion, and while it is essential to make such amusement apparatus on a large scale, depending, of course, upon the type or character of the particular apparatus employed, at the same time it is necessary for commercial reasons to materially economize the space or area occupied by such apparatus.

My present invention relates to marine amusement apparatus in which a variety of pleasant and interesting effects may be produced upon the pleasure seekers or passengers, who, for instance, are given a very realizing sensation of being within the part of a vessel which is traveling through the water with such part beneath the water, while, as a matter of fact, the apparatus is stationary.

Another object of the invention is to impress the passengers after they enter the apparatus with the idea that the steamer or boat in which they are is caused to descend and submerge itself in the body of water.

Still another object is to lead the lockerson to believe that the steamer or boat which they see the passengers enter subsequently dives down or lowers itself in the waterand becomes entirely submerged, and further, that the boat thus diving under thewater travels beneath the same.

. With these and other objects in view my invention consists in the various novel arrangements and combinations of the several difierent parts of the-apparatus, all as hereinafter fully described, and then pointed out in the claims.

I have illustrated a type of my invention in thei accompanying drawings, wherein- Figure 1 is a plan view of my improved marine apparatus shown as used in connectic-n with a shallow lake with a central island the lake. of the boat-like structurewith the end porof the collapsible upper deck.

in section.

view of the same end of the boat structure as V Fig. 7, the plane of the section being substan- Fig. 9 is a vertical therein, the body of water being omitted from this view in order to make the same clearer. and a movable gang-plank for the entrance and exit of passengers being shown as lowered upon the upper deck of the boat structure, whereby one lot of passengers may leave the boat while another lot may enter the same,

the loading and unloading thus taking place simultaneously to save time in the actual use of the apparatus. This view also shows a suitable inclosure with a stand or place for the operator who manipulates the apparatus,

a ticket-office, and a suitable platform for the entry and departure of passengers. Fig. 2 is a central vertical cross-section of the boatlike structure on a plane extending abeam of the same, with the collapsible upper deck or superstructure in raised or projected position and with the movable gang-planks placed between the landing or platform and the main deck, said gang-planks being shown in dotted lines in the raised position in which they are placed when the apparatus is in operation and is. to be wholly submerged, the section being on line 2 2, Fig. 4'. Fig. 3 is an end view either looking toward the bow or stern of the boat-like structure which is shown in crosssection and the water-level thereof indicated in long broken lines and with the collapsible upper deck or superstructure drawn down or contracted so as to be wholly submerged in Fig. 4 is a central vertical section tions thereof broken away, the plane of the section being indicated by the line 4 4, Fig.

2, and with the upper deck projected above the water with the hatchways open and the gang-planks lowered to the hatchways. Fig. 5 is a View in horizontal section of the central portion of the boat-like structure, the plane of the section being indicated by the line 5 5,

Fig. 4;, the dotted lines showing the location Fig. 6 is a side view of the main boat-like structure in its en- ,tirety with the-bottom of the artificial lake shown in cross-section, likewise the ground upon which themain structure rests. This view is on a somewhat reduced scale as com pared with the others, except Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a central vertical sectional view of one end of the boat structure, taken on the same plane as Fig. 4. with the artificial-lake bottom shown Fig. 8 is a horizontal sectional tially the same as Fig. 5.

Patented Aug. 15, 1905.

section of the other end of the boat-like structure from that shown in Fig. 7 with the artificial-lake bottom also indicated, and this view shows the apparatus for admitting the rushing water and also the mechanism for main taining a constant current of water in the conduit or trough surrounding the main structure. Fig. 10 is a view, partly in horizontal section and partly in plan, of the apparatus shown in Fig. 11 with the artificial-lake bottom omitted. Fig. 11 is a vertical cross-section of the floor or lower part of the structure, taken on a plane indicated by the line 11 lLFig. 10, and shows the rocking floor-sections. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the apparatus for lowering and raising the upper deck shown as detached. Fig. 13 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of a portion of the upper deck or superstructure, showing the hatch or door closed in water-tight position over the hatchway. Fig.- 14 is a side elevation of my improved apparatus in which the main structure is shown as movable instead of stationary, as in all the other views. In this view the level of the water is indicated by the broken line, and the hatchways of the upper deck are closed preparatory to the collapsing part-being lowered to submerge completely the upper deck. Fig. 15 is a plan view of the traveling upper structure and the means for translating the same over a defined course in the body of water, the boat structure being also shown in plan with the upper structure in position to be raised by the submersible'part of the boat. In this View the parts referred to are shown as detached from the entire apparatus, as shown, for instance, in Fig. 1'; but the relative position of this part of the mechanism is indicated in Fig. 1 in dotted lines. Fig. 16 is an end view of the traveling superstructure shown enlarged, together with means for translating it, the bottom of the lake or track on which said superstructuretravels being.

shown in cross-section. Fig. 17 .is-a si'deview of one end of the submersible part of the boat structure, which is provided with the device for pickingup the traveling upper structure and supporting the same as it is raised and lowered in the water. Fig. 18 is a side view of a modified form of the upper structure, the same being shown as resting upon the upper part of the collapsible part of-the apparatus. Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the compressed-air apparatus for operating the collapsible deck of the boat structure at the near point and also the duplicate one at the distant point.

In the several views the scales of the drawings'are shown in somewhat different sizes, the scales of Figs. 1,6, and 15 being alike, the scales of Figs. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 being the same but larger than that of Figs. 1 and 6, the scales of Figs. 12 and 13 being alike and still larger, while the scale of Fig. 14 is but slightly larger than thatof Figs. 1,

2 arranged centrally thereof. around three sides of the lake 1 is a platform 3-, beyond which is a suitable wall 4:, serving 6, and 15. Figs. 16 and 17 are on aconsiderably larger scale than that of Fig. 15, while the scale of Fig. 18 is on a somewhat smaller scale than said Figs. 16 and 17 I have shown my invention as used with an artificial body of water, which can be readily formed and maintained at amusement resorts of the character where apparatus of this class is likely to be used; but it will be observed that the apparatus may be used in a naturalthe body of water and back again, and if desired this given point at adistance in the body of water may have located there a similar collapsible structure which may be raised and lowered at will, thus still farther carrying out the idea that the device is a submarine boat which travels under the water, as in the latter case the raising of this duplicate structure at a distant point in the water will appear to the observer as being the very same structure which previously dived under the throughout,1 is an artificial lake suitably constructed and in the present instance being shown as rectangular in shape, with an island Extending to inclose the lake, and these parts may be utilized ,in any desired way for displaying thereon any scenery or objects of curiosity and interest to make an attractive and appropriate surrounding for the scene to carry out the idea of the surroundings of the lake or of a marine view. The main part of the lake 1 is formed with a comparatively shallow bottom 5, as practically no depth is needed to,

this main part. At one side of the lake there is formed a deeper bottom 6 or suitable depression for the location of a part of the boatlike structure, as hereinafter described.

As it is desirable to have as shallow a body of water in the lake as it is practical to have without the lake-bottom showing through the water,and thereby making unsightly the same, and also any of the apparatus which may extend along the lake-bottom, I line or coat the same with a very'da'rk materialas, for example, tar-paper, which is shown at 7 in Fig. 2. I find that by doing this the shallow body of water appears to have great depth, and this is one feature'of invention in the present improvement.

As the lake 1 herewith shown is an artificial structure, I prefer to construct it so that the deepest part 6 thereof is at about the level of the ground 8, which, and to excavate the ground 8 sufliciently to build therein the main boat-like structure 9,the bottom of which is set either directly upon the ground, as shown, or upon suitable mason-work, the latter, of'course, being preferred for obvious reasons, but is adetail which I have not herewith shown.

The main boat-like structure 9 is of a suitable oblong and somewhat boat-like shape, with one end rounded and the other end somewhat flattened, and its interior is so constructed as to provide a main saloon 10, extending the length of the structure and from which lead on either side small compartments or rooms 11, which are made on the order of ordinary state-rooms of a steamer, each of such state-rooms having a p0rt-holef12, which is covered by a suitable transparent material 13, so that a person can see from the state-room through the port-hole and view the moving water, which is hereinafter described. In this connection it Will be noted that the doorways 14 of these several state-rooms do not stand directly opposite each other across the saloon 10,the purpose of this being to prevent a person main saloon 10 and the several state-rooms 11 are made to resemble these features of any steamer, all the features thereof being quite in accordance With the same, and as the boatlike structure is at times closed, during the submerging of the upper part. ventilation is provided by means of a suitable suction-fan 15, arranged at what may be termed the bow of the boat, (see Fig. 8,) the air-outlet being through a pipe 16, which extends upwardly from the structure to the open air,

and by this means the air is taken from the interior of the structure, to which fresh air may be supplied through the opening by which the megaphone 31 is connected with the water-pipe 21, through which the air and water is clrculated; but, if desired, anintakepipe may be run to the exterior of the structure for this purpose. By this means the circulation of fresh air may be kept up throughout the interior of the structure.

The ceiling of the saloon 10 or a part thereof is made hollow at 19. Likewise the floor thereof is made hollow at 20, and these parts are connected at respective ends by. means of pipes 21 and 22, respectively, and these several passage-Waysprovide a continuous channel through which abody of rushing, water,

which is agitated by the air, is forcibly circulated in order to create within theinterior of the structurea sound similar to that made by the Water through which a boat travels rapidly. This sound-producing device is supplied with water and air through a downwardly-closing valve 23, located in the lakebottom and controlling a passage 24 to the channel 19, the valve being operated by a rod 25, connected with a hand-lever 26, located within the saloon 10. Upon opening the valve 23 the water rushes in from the lake and draws in considerable air therewith, and the fall of the water is sufficiently great to cause it to flow through the channel '19, which may be inclined from one end to the other, with sufficient agitation to create the sound of rushing water, the water at the same time passing down the passage-way 22 to the lower channel 20 and then under the saloon, it being finally collected in a tank or recess 27, from which it is taken by pipe 28, connected with suction-pump 29, operated by motor 29 and forced upwardly through the pipe 30 back into the lake. The sound of the rushing water through the channel described may be heard through the walls of the structure; but it is also carried into the interior of the structure through a small opening therein, which is provided with a funnel-shaped body 31, having its large end opening into the saloon and acting somewhat like a megaphone, this arrangement being provided at each end of v the saloon. In practice I propose to make this continuous channel for rushing water for producing a sound of metal-for instance, copper or iron -the section thereof extending along the floor of the saloon being suitably protected by suitable flooring.

The hollow ceiling 19, through which the water rushes, is provided with glass-covered openings 19", while the hollow floor 20 is likewise provided with glass-covered openings 20, so that the rushing water may be seen by a person in the saloon 20 through either the transparent openings 19 or 20*. This feature forms a novelty in itself in this class of apparatus.

Extending around the main structure 9 is a continuous conduit 32, which is shown here as made in the form of an open-top trough surrounding and inclosing the port-holes 12 of the state-rooms. Within this conduit is continuously circulated a body'of water, (intion of the boat traveling through the water,

-and in order to accomplish this I have arranged the doorways 14 of opposite staterooms out of line with each other, as shown more particularly in Figs. 8, and 10 and as hereinbefore described. The water moving through the conduit 32 over the port-holes 12 contains fish, sea-weed, and other things that are usually found in the water of the sea or a large .lake, and these objects are'utilized to still further carry out the appearance of the boat traveling upon the water. If the conduit 32 be very narrow, so as to expose to View the side wall thereof, the same may be covered or coated with dark material or may be provided with appropriate scenery.

In order to maintain a continuous current of water through the conduit 32 and in the same direction, I give a slight fall to the bottom of the conduit, so that the water may gravitate along the same, and at a suitable point therein I provide a paddle-wheel 34, which is driven by a shaft 35, carrying a sprocket wheel 36, over which passes a sprocket-chain 37, which receives its motion from a small sprocket-wheel 38 on a counter shaft 39, which is driven by bevel-gears 4O 41 from a shaft 42, having a worm-gear 43, meshing with a worm 44 on a shaft 45, which receives its motion from a belt 46, driven by.

a pulley on shaft 47 of an electric or other motor 48. The motor 48, being an electric one, has such a high speed that I employ the gearing just described in order to reduce the speed at which the paddle-wheel is driven, it being desirable to run the paddle-wheel with ,a very slow motion like that of. water-mill wheel; but of course the speed may be varied. The turning of this paddle-wheel 34 in the proper direction serves to move the body of water 33 through the conduit 32, the same water being used over and over again. The paddle wheel mechanism is preferably located at one end of the boat structure in order to conceal the same as much as possible and not to obstruct the view from any of the portholes, and, if preferred, the conduit 32 may be made a tubular structure instead of an open one, as herewith shown. The open-top structure, however, is better in order that it may admit sufficient natural light to the body of water in the conduit to enableagood view of the moving water being seen through the port-holes 12 from the interior of the structure.

At the center of the main boat-like structure 9 are arranged the companionways for ad mitting the passengers to and giving them an exit fromthe main saloon 10 to the upper deck. These companionways are duplicates of each other,comprising substantially the same parts, so that a description of one serves for both. From a suitable point in the main saloon 10 rises a spiral staircase 56 of the exit-companionway, and this leads to a common landing 57, from where there leads upwardly another stair case or way of the exit-companionway, such staircase being 58 and which is hinged or pivoted at 59 to a suitable part of the upper deck 60, the lower end of the staircase 58 being provided with suitable rollers 61, this special arrangement being in consequence of the collapsible construction of the upper deck or superstructure. This swinging or folding staircase 56 leads to the hatchway 62 in the upper deck 60, and this hatchway is provided with a suitable door or cover 63, hinged at 64 and closing water-tight against a suitable piece of soft material 65, running around the hatchway-opening, and this cover or door is provided with releasable locking devices 66, which are pivoted thereto and engage fixed pins 67 on the hatchway-opening, such devices automatically locking when the cover is closed and being released by hand to unlock the same. (See Figs. 4 and 13.)

The upper deck 60 is provided with a second hatchway 68. arranged substantially in line with the hatchway 62 in a fore-and-aft direction and this latter hatchway is shown as the one by which passengers enter the structure, a folding staircase 69, pivoted at 70 and having rollers 71, which travel on the deck 57, and the lower end of such staircase being arranged adjacent to the head of the other spiral staircase 72, which leads downwardly into the main saloon 10 and by means of which entrance is elfected thereto. It will be noted that the folding staircases 58 and 69 extend downwardly toward each other, as will be understood more particularly from Figs. 4 and 5, the latter figure showing the same in dotted lines, and that each one has the foot thereof located near the head of its spiral staircase leading below. This arrangement is used in order to keep the outgoing passengers separated from the incoming ones as much as possible, so as to expedite the 'loadingand unloading of the structure with passengers. I propose instead of having two lower spiral staircases to use butone in some instances, in which case the single spiral staircase may be divided longitudinally by a centrally-located hand-rail 73, and one side of said staircase may be used for incoming and the other for outgoing passengers.

Each of the hatchways 62 and 68 has its own gang-plank, the gang-plank 74 being that of the exit and the same comprising a board having along each side a hand-rail 75, which at the outer end thereof is turned to one side to lead to the hatchway when the gang-plank is lowered, as shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 4. The hatchway 68 has a similar gang-plank 76, with hand-rails 77, which latter are turned inwardly at the outer end, so as to lead to the hatchway 68 when the gang plank is lowered. One end of each of the gang-planks rests on the landing 78, at one side ofthe lake 1. The landing 78 is divided by a rail or partition 79, so as to keep the passengers who may be entering the place separated from those who are leaving it, the principal entrance being shown at 80, wherethe ticket-ofifice 81 is located, so that the passengers in going in may go directly to the entrance gang-plank 7 6 and pass thence direct down the hatchway 68 into the structure, while the passengers leaving the same may depart by way of the gang-plank 7 4 and the exit 82, a suitable wall or fence being arranged at 83, so as to provide a wall or like inclosure between the same and the dividing rail or partition 4. In this connection it may also be observed that an additional entrance 84v is provided at one end of the entering part of the platform 78 in order that the onlookers may enter at that point and remaining on'the platform observe the whole scene. This arrangement of the entrance and exit for passengers and the separation of the same by the partition or rail 79 at the ticketoflice at the entrance is a very convenient and compact arrangement, economizing a great amount of space,' which in this class of apparatus is highly desirable.

The collapsing superstructure, which includes the upper deck 60, which is made of suitable material and in any desired shape, preferably a shape and design that has the appearance of some sort of boat, has beneath this deck and the main structure, upon which it is superimposed, a flexible or folding section 85, which extends horizontally around the same and may be constructed in any wellknown manner; but, of course, it must possess the qualities of being waterproof and at the same time flexible and durable. 1n the 0on struction here shown this flexible section 85 comprises a collapsing section which is jointed at 86 and has its outer ends connected at 87 and 88, respectively, to the upper deck 60 and the lower structure, the latter connection being made at the edge of an opening 89 in the depressed part 6 of the lake-bottom, as will be more'particularly understood from Figs. 2 and 4. The range of movement of the collapsing part may be made to suit the depth of the water in which the apparatus is used, or the size of the apparatus itself may also be a controlling feature in this respect; but the requirement is to have such a range of movement in the collapsing or descending motion as to completely submerge and practically conceal from view the upper deck of the structure, the hatchway-covers of course being closed water-tight over the hatchways before the part is submerged and the gangplanks being also raised, as shown in Fig. 2 in dotted lines, or entirely removed, if preferred. This movable or collapsing upper deck 60 is operated with a positive motion by means of a set of fluid-pressure cylinders 90, four of which are shown and which are mounted in the upper part of the main structure 9, each being provided with a piston 91, having :with the exhaust 98.

a' piston-rod 92, which is connected with a suitable fixed piece or bar 93, secured to the upper deck 60. (See Figs. 2, 4,5, and 12.) These cylinders 90 are upright, and their from a three-way controlling-valve 95, having a supply-pipe 96 connected therewith, while the upper ends of each of the cylinders 90 are connected with a similar pipe 97, which leads from the controlling threeway valve 95, which latter valve also controls an exhaust 98,

whereby by setting the valve 95 in one posi-l tionfor example, that shown in Fig. l2the pipe 97, leading to the upper end of each of the cylinders 90, is at once connected with the supply 96, so that the fluid-pressure acts upon the upper side of each piston 91 and moves the same down, the air being exhausted from the lower ends of each cylinder through pipe 94, which is now open to the exhaust 98 during this position of the valve 95, as shown in said Fig. 12.

This serves to draw down the deck 60 to the point desired, and thereby submerge the same. As long as the valve stands in this position the superstructure remains submerged, as shown in Fig. 3. When it is desired to raise the submerged part above the water, this is accomplished by setting the .controlling-valve 95 in such position as to reverse the course of the supply and exhaust .namely, by connecting the supply-pipe 96 with the pipe 94 and connecting the pipe 97 with the exhaust 98 whereupon the fluid-pressure acts upon the under side of each piston 91,

forcing the same up, the air above each piston being exhausted therefrom through the pipe 97, which, as stated, is then connected as shown in Figs. 1, 2, 4, 6, and 14, and it may again be submerged by resetting the valve 95 in the position first described. Other motive power maybe used than that of compressed air for lowering and raising the collapsing part; but I prefer to use the same and place the controlling-valve 95 in a convenient position at 99, (see Fig. 1,) where the operator for manipulating the apparatus is .located. The operator from the stand 99 is in full view of the entire apparatus that is however, may be dispensed with or modified in order that the deck 60 may be glveu something of an irregular motion when it is being This operation serves to raise the upper deck 60 above the water,

submerged-that is to say, in submerging this deck one end or side thereof may be drawn under the water first, so as to give the appearance of the structure diving down endwise into the body of water. It will be observed in regard to this collapsing deck that the invention in the same is not confined to the use of this feature with a stationary structure, but that it may be used on a movable boat-like structure such ,as 9, as shown in Fig. 14, wherein the hull or body 9 is mounted on suitable trucks 102, which may be run on the lake-bottom or on suitable tracks therein. Further, this feature is not limited to a boat structure traveling in this way; but it may be employed in any floating or diving boat. In order to make it appear that this stationary boat-like structure when it is submerged actually travels under the body of water, I provide means whereby bubbles may be caused to spring up on the surface of the water one after the other in succession along a certain line, and thereby cause one to believe that the structure which has been submerged is acizually moving along under the water on such me. a number of ways, only one of which 1 show, the same consisting in a series of suitable pipes which are duplicated and comprise each a pipe 103, having a number of perforations 104 along the upper side of its outer end, and

still longer pipes 105 constructed on the same order as 103, and a still longer one 106 on the same order, and another one 107 still on the same order, and these pipes extend around under the water,being curved,as shown in Fig. 1, over a part of an oval or oblong path. This set of pipes is duplicated on the other side of the apparatus at 108, 109, 110, and 111.

When the structure is submerged, the air may be let into the shortest pipe 103, and it will immediately escape thrrefrom through the set of openings 104 and rise to the surface of the water along the line of the pipe where it is thus perforated, the nearest perforations 104'therein permitting the air to first escape, so that the first bubbles come from the nearest part of the supposed path of the moving boat. After the air has created the line of bubbles along as far as the pipe 103 can effect the same it is then turned into the pipe 105, and this same action takes place there, still extending the line of bubbles appearing successively over the surface of the water, and after the pipe 105 has thus been used the pipe 106 then comes into play, and then 107, after which the pipe 108 for discharging the air through its perforations takes up the line of bubbles, and then the pipe 109,110, and 111, apparently completinga line of travel around the body of water in an oval path. Thisline of travel may of course be reversed by first operating the last-mentioned set of pipes and then afterward the first-mentioned set. This mechanism for producing the bubbling of This feature may be brought about in,

ed from the cylinders 90 may be let into thesebubble-making pipes, though, of course, they may take their supply of air from any suitable reservoir.

Another feature of the invention is that of having a collapsing upper part or deck 60", which is made in substantial resemblance to the collapsing part 60 hereinbefore described, but is located at a point somewhat distant in the water from that of the main structure and is provided with suitable means for lowering and raising it in the water. This can be operated in conjunction with the main collapsing part by having the part 60 normally submerged while the part 60 is normally unsubmerged. After the passengers enter the apparatus and the part 60 is closed and submerged the distant part 60 after the lapse of a few minutes maybe raised in the water, thereby giving the idea that the apparatus has traveled to this distant point and been raised in the water. The part 60 may then be submerged, and after the lapse of a few minutes the part 60 may be raised, and the passengers may then be discharged. This d uplicate collapsing part 60, located at a distant point from the deck 60, is operated by a compressed-air system in substantially the same manner as that described for the collapsing part 60 and includes a set of pneumatic cylinders 90, each having a piston with a rod 92, connected with the movable part 60. (See particularly Figs. 1 and 19.) The cylinders 90 have their lower ends connected with means of a pipe 94, leading from a controlling-valve 95, similar to the valve 95, which valve 95 has an exhaust 98 and a supply 96, and. the upper ends of the cylinders 90 are connected by a pipe 97, corresponding to, the pipe 97, which pipe 97 is controlled by valve 95. and these respective parts operate in substantially the same manner as the corresponding parts hereinbefore described in connection with the collapsing deck 60.

The impression given a passenger who en ters the main structure that the apparatus is.

a submersible or submarine one is still further carried out by having suitable transparent places or windows in the collapsing part or upper deck 60, such windows being indicated at 140 and are in such a position that they may be seen through suitable openings 141, formed in the ceiling of the main saloon 10 and likewise the state-rooms 11. When the upper part 60 is lowered so that the water covers it,'such water may be seen through these windows 140 by passengers within the main structure, and the water will naturally be agitated by the collapsing of the upper deck and will thereby make it appear that the apparatus is really moving beneath the water.' Of course any means may be used to maintain a constant current of Water above the upper deck 60, so that after the same has been submerged a considerable time the moving water may be observed by the passengers through the opening 141.

At each end of the collapsing deck 60 is shown a small conning-tower 117, which, however, does not show above the water when the collapsing part is lowered, though in connection with the traveling superstructure hereinafter described there is a conning-tower which is fixed thereon and travels with such part, so as to carry out the idea to the observer that the boat is traveling under the water. i

In order to more fully create the sensation of being afloat in a vessel on the water, I construct the flooring of each state-room so that it is given a gradual and continuous rocking movement. This is done by hinging each floor-section 49 at one end 50 and leaving the other end free and under the control of suitable cams 51, arranged beneath the same upon the slowly-revolving shaft 52. The shaft '52, with its cams, is duplicated, there being one on each side of the structure, one shaft 52 being a continuation of the shaft 39, while the other shaft 52 is driven by beveled gears 53 and .54 from the shaft 42,. already described. As the shaft 52 turns with a slow motion, the rising and falling of the floor-sections 49 is effected with a comparatively slow motion, and persons within thestate-rooms experience this slow rocking movement, so that they have the sensation of being on a rocking or rolling vessel. (See particularly Fig. 11.)

As an additional means for giving the impression that the apparatus is practically a diving or submersible boat which after being submerged travels under the water in submerged position 1 provide a detachable and movable device or upper structure for the collapsing part of the boat, which is carried by such part when it is raised and while it is being lowered,'but is then free to move away and be translated beneath the water over a certain definite course which may be arranged over any desired path in the body of water. This detachable and translatable structure is provided with certain parts or appurtenances of a boat or steamer, some ofwhich appurtenances when the structure is at its lowest position in the water still project above the surface of the water and can be followed by the eye of the lookerr-on as it moves through the water. This feature may be carried out in many different ways, two of which I have herewith shown.

Referring .to Figs. 15, 16, 17, and 18, 118 is a small truck-like device having a suitablyshaped platform provided with wheels 119, which are adapted to travel over the bottom 120 of the artificial lake. If preferred, atrack may be provided for the wheels. This truck carries a small gripping device 121, which grips an endless cable 122, which is extended over the bottom of the lake and over a certain course therein, and at suitable intervals it is provided with guide-pulleys 123 forkeep ing the cable in its position, the cable being propelled by a set of driving-wheels 124, lo-

cated at a suitable point in the path of the cable 122 may thus be lowered and raised by the motion of the collapsing deck 60; but itis never brought above the surface of the water at this point. Normally the t uck 118, which carries the flagstatf 127, from which flies a pennant or flag 128, rests upon the platform 125, so as to maintain the flagstaif 127 at the bow of the boat. When the deck 60 is submerged, the truck descends with it, and then the cable 122 being started in motion the truck is caused to move with the cable over the, course thereof and is returned to its starting-point at the bow of the boat, whereupon the cable is brought to rest, so that the subsequent raising of the deck 60 brings with it the truck. The truck 118, which carries this flag or any other appurtenance or part of a boat or ship, is kept concealed constantly beneath the water; but the appurtenance 127, which is shown as a flag, is of course never concealed, and this may be seen travelingover a delined path in the water, thereby giving the appearance to the looker-on of the boat actually traveling beneath the water over such path.

The bottom 120 of the lake is made somewhat undulating, so as to rock the truck 118 slightly from side to side, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 16. This causes the-flag 127 or the appurtenance carried by the truck to sway from side to side as it travels through the water, thereby makingit appear as though the submarine structure were rolling somewhat in the water.

In Fig. 18 I showa larger form of the traveling device than 118, the same here comprising a large skeleton frame 129, having wheels 130 and carrying at one end a flagstalf 131 and at the other end a conning-tower 132, in which is shown a dummy-head 133,

which may be seen through suitable transparent openings in the tower, the interior of which may be provided with suitable light, as indicated at 134. This somewhat more elaborate construction of the traveling superstructure Will of course give a st1ll greater impression to the looker-on of the idea of the boat traveling under the water, and the conning-tower 132 of this traveling structure is constantly above the surface of the water and makes the entire scene appear more realistic. The dummy-figure 133 in this conning-tower will also add interest to the apparatus to those who may watch its operation from a point at one side of the body of water.

I wish to be understood as not limiting my invention to thespecifio construction of the various different parts thereof, as it is evident that modificationsmay be made in the same. without, however, departing from the spirit of the invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, 1s

1. An illusion marine apparatus comprising a main structure having the interior thereof constructed like that of a boat or steamer and the same being provided with port-holes covered with a suitable transparent material, means for circulating water across said portholes, a collapsing upper part or deck having an opening therein covered with transparent material and through which the submerging water may be viewed from the interior of said main structure when the collapsing part or deck is lowered, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

2. An illusion marine apparatus comprising a main structure having the interior thereof constructed like that of a boat or steamer and the same being provided with port-holes covered with a suitable transparent material, a Waterway extending along said structure with the said port-holes opening therein, and means for circulating a body of water through said waterway, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

3. An illusion marine apparatus comprising a main structure having the interior thereof constructed like that ofa boat or steamer, and means for passing a concealed body of agitated Water through a part of or nearby said structure to produce upon the interior thereof the sound of rushing Water as though the structure were moving through the same, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

4:. An illusion marine apparatus comprising a main structure having the interior thereof constructed like that of a boat or steamer and the same being provided with port-holes covered with a suitable transparent material, and means for passing a concealed body of agitated water through a part of or near by said structure to produce upon the interior thereof the sound of rushing water as though the structure were moving through the same, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

5. An illusion marine apparatus comprising a main structure having the interior thereof constructed like that of a boat or steamer, a pipe or conduit extending along one or more of the walls of said structure, and means for passing through said pipe or conduit a current of agitated water to produce upon the'interior of such structure the sound of rushing water, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

6. An illusion marine apparatus comprising a main structure having the interior thereof constructed like that of a boat or steamer, a pipe or conduit extending along a part of or near by said structure, a water and air supply connected with said pipe or conduit 1 and a valve controlling the same, whereby an agitated current of water is passed through said conduit or pipe, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

7. An illusion marine apparatus comprising a body of water and a main structure located in the water, the interior of said main structure being constructed like that of a boat or steamer, a pipe or conduit extending along a part of or near by said structure, a water and air supply connected with the said body of water, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

8. An illusion marine apparatus comprising said structure to produce upon the interior thereof the sound of rushing water as though the structure were moving through the same, one or more openings leading from the vicinity of the body of agitated water to the interior of the structure, a cone-shaped exaggerator connected with said opening for directing the sound into the interior of the structure, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

9. An illusion marine apparatus comprising the combination of a main structure having its interior constructed on the order of that of a boat and being provided with port-holes covered with a suitable transparent material, the said main structure being placed upon the ground or suitable mason-work, a waterway or conduit extending along said port-holes so as to include the same therein and adapted to have abody of water circulated therethrough across the port-holes and means for circulating said water, a'shallow body of water and means for circulating said water, a shallow body of water or artificial lake and a superstructure on the said main structure extending up from the bottom of said lake and surrounded by the water therein, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

10. An illusion marine apparatus comprising the combination of a main structure having its interior constructed on the order of that of a boat and placed upon suitable masonry or the ground, a collapsible superstructure or upper deck-like part above said main structure and adapted to be lowered and raised,

a shallow body of water or artificial lakeinto which said collapsing superstructure extends,

substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

11. An illusion marine apparatus comprising the combination of a main structure having its interior constructed on the order of that of a boat and placed upon suitable masonry or the ground, a collapsible superstructure or upper deck-like part above said main structure and adapted to be lowered and raised, a shallow body of water or artificial lake having a depression or deep part therein and the said collapsible superstructure being located in the said depressed part of the lake-bottom, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

12. The combination of a practically stationary structure having the interior thereof constructed on the order of that of a boat and provided with a collapsing upper deck or superstructure adapted to be lowered and raised, and means for operating said collapsing part to lower the same at will and then to raise it at will, and a body of water into which said upper deck or superstructure extends, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

13. The combination of a structure having the interior thereof constructed on the order of that of a boat and provided with a collapsing upper deck or superstructure adapted to 'be lowered and raised, and means for operating said collapsing upper part to lower the same at will and then to raise it at will, a body of water and the said operating means for the collapsing part having a controlling device located to the exterior of said structure, whereby the operator may manipulate said means from a point exterior to the structure, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

14. The combination of a practically stationary structure having the interior thereof constructed on the order of that of a boat and provided with a collapsing upper deck or superstructure adapted to be lowered and raised, and means for operating said collapsing part to lower the same at will and then to raise it at will, and a body of Water into which said upper deck or superstructure extends, the said means for lowering and raising the collapsing part comprising a set offluid-pressureoperated cylinders each provided with a piston having a piston-rod acting upon a suitable part of this collapsing part, and means for supplying fluid-pressure to said cylinders and exhausting it therefrom to lower said collapsing part and then to raise the same, and a suitable controlling device for governing said fluid-pressure, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

15. The combination of a practically stationary structure having the interior thereof constructed on the order of that of a boat and provided with a collapsing upper deck or superstructure adapted to be lowered and raised, and means for operating said collapsing part to lower-it at will and then to raise it atwill, a body of water into which said upper deck or superstructure extends, the saidmeans for lowering and raising the ,collapsing part comprising a set of fluid-pressure-operated cylinders each provided with a piston having a piston-rod connected with the said collapsing part for acting thereon, a

fluid-pressure supply arranged to theexterior of said structure and pipe connections between the same and said cylinders and a con trolling device for controlling the supply and exhaust of said fluid-pressure to and from the said cylinders for lowering and then raising said collapsing part, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

16. The combination of a practically stationary main structure a collapsing superstructure mounted above said main structure and provided with means for lowering the same at will and raising it at will, and a body of water beneath which said main structure is located and in which said collapsing structure may be submerged, the said collapsing structure having its upper deck provided with a hatchway having a water-tight door or cover, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

17. The combination of a practically stationary main structure a collapsing superstructure mounted above said main structure and provided with means for lowering the same at will and raising it at will,'a body of water beneath which said main structure is located and in which said collapsing structure may be submerged, the said collapsing structure having its upper deck provided with a hatchway having a water-tight door or cover, a landing and a gang-plank mounted by one end on said landing and adapted to have its other end lowered and raised and when lowered to connect with said upper deck of the collapsing structure, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

18. The combination of a body of water, a boat-like structure provided with a collapsing upper deck having means for lowering and raising it at will to submerge it, a hatchway in the said upper deck provided with a watertight door, and a rigid folding staircase leading downwardly from said hatchway into the interior of the structure and adapted to automatically fold and unfold as the upper deck is lowered and raised, respectively, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

' 19. The combination of a collapsing structure provided with means for lowering the same at will and raising it at will, a body of water in which said collapsing structure may be submerged, the said structure having its upper deck provided with a hatchway having a water-tight door or cover, and a swinging or folding stairway leading downwardly from said hatchway into the interior of said collapsing structure and provided with rollers at the free lower end of said stairway, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

20. The combination of a practically stationary main structure a collapsing superstructure mounted above said main structure and provided with means for lowering the same at will and raising it at will, a body of water beneath which said main structure is located and in which said collapsing structure may be submerged, the said collapsing structure having its upper deck provided witha hatchway having a water-tight door or cover, and guiding devices for steadying the collapsing structure in its down and up movements, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

21. The combination of a collapsing structure provided with means for lowering the same at will and raising it at will, a body of water in which said collapsing structure may be submerged, the said structure having its upper deck provided with ahatchway having a water-tight door or cover, and guiding devices comprising one or more vertical guiderods exterior to said structure and a suitable guide part on said structure for engaging said guide-rod, substantially as and for the pur pose set forth.

22. The combination of a practically stationary main structure a collapsing superstructure mounted above said main structure and provided with means for lowering the same at will and raising it at will, a body of water beneath which said main structure is located and in which said collapsing structure may be submerged, the said collapsing structure having its upper deck provided with a hatchway having a water-tight door or cover, and the said collapsing structure being provided with a water-tight flexible or folding section extending horizontally around the same, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

23. The combination of a practically stationary main structure a collapsing superstructure mounted above said main structure and provided with means'for lowering the same at will and raising it at will, a body of water beneath which said main structure is located and in which said collapsing structure may be submerged, the said collapsing structure having its upper deck provided with a hatchway having a water-tight door or cover, the said collapsing structure comprising a rigid upper-deck portion, and a water-tight flexible or folding section arranged beneath the said upper deck and extending horizontally around said structure, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

2 The combination of a practically stationary main structure a collapsing super- ShILlChUl'G mounted above said main structure and provided with means for lowering the same at will and raising it at will, a body of water beneath which said main structure is located and in which said collapsing structure others the exit, substantially as and for thepurpose set forth;

25. The combination of a main structure provided with a main saloon, a fixed stairway arranged at each side of said main saloon and leading upwardly therefrom to the deck above, a collapsing superstructure above the main structure and having the upper deck thereof provided with two hatchways having watertight doors or covers,-a rigid folding stairway leading downwardly from'each hatchway to the said deck where the upper ends of said stairways terminate, and adapted to fold and unfold as said superstructure is lowered and raised, respectively, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

26. The combination of a main structure provided with a main saloon, a fixed stairway arranged at each side of said main saloon and leading upwardly therefrom to the deck above, a collapsing superstructure above the main structure and having the upper deck thereof provided with two hatchways having watertight doors or covers, astairway leading downwardly from each hatchway to the said deck where the upper ends of said-stairways terminate, and a hinged or folding stairway leading downwardly from each hatchway to the deck where the upper ends of said lower stairways terminate, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

27. The combination of a main structure provided with a main saloon, a fixed stairway arranged at each side of the said main saloon and leading upwardly therefrom to the deck above, a collapsing superstructure above the main structure and having the upper deck thereof provided with two hatchways having water-tight doors or covers, a stairway leading downwardly from each hatchway to the said deck where the upper ends of said hatchways terminate, a main spiral stairway lo-- cated at opposite sides of said main saloon and extending upwardly to the deck above, a

having its lower end provided with rollers, the said folding stairways extending down.

wardly toward each other and in the vicinity of the upper end of the respective lower stairways, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

28. The combination of a body of water and a landing at one side thereof, a collapsing structure provided with means for lowering it at will and raising it at will to submerge it in the water, the upper deck of said collapsing structure being provided with two hatchways arranged substantially in line with each other and each having a water-tight door or cover, a rigid folding stairway leading from each hatchway downwardly into the interior of the structure and toward each other, and adapted to automatically fold and unfold as said collapsing structure is lowered and raised, respectively, two swinging gang planks mounted on said landing so as to swing thereon and having their outer ends adapted to be raised and lowered and to connect with said hatchways, respectively, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

29. The combination of a body of water and a collaping superstructure adapted to be lowered and raised in said water and provided with. a suitable hatchway having a watertight door or cover, suitable means for conveying air under said body of Water along a path therein and mechanism for permitting the air to be discharged at intervals along said path and in succession so as to create a line of bubbles on the surface of the water to make it appear that the submerged structure is traveling along such line, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

30. The combination of a body of Water and acollapsing superstructure adapted'to be lowered and raised in said water and provided with a suitable hatchway having a watertight door or cover, pipe connections extending beneath said water along the path therein and means for supplying water to said pipe connections and the same being adapted to discharge the air therefrom at intervals in succession to craate a line of bubbles on the surface of said water to make it appear that the submerged structure is traveling along such line, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

31. The combination of a body of water and a collapsing superstructure adapted to be lowered and raised in said Water and provided with a suitable hatchway having a watertight door or cover, a set of air-pipes extending from each end of said collapsing structure around under the water along acircular path and making substantially a circuit therein, said pipes being of different lengths and each provided near its end with a series of opening-s for the exit of the air therefrom so that the said perforated parts of said pipes make practically a continued line of perforated pipe, means for supplying air first to the shortest pipe of the set extending from one end of the structure and then in succession applying it to the next longest one of the other said sets of perforated pipe and then to the next shortest and so on in succession, whereby a line of bubbles may be created on the surface of said Water and made to travel along said surface to make it' appear as though the submerged structure were traveling thereunder along said line, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

32. An illusion marine apparatus comprising a shallow artificial lake having the bottom thereof lined substantially throughout with a suitable dark material to give great apparent depth to the water within the lake, a stationary main structure arranged beneath said body of Water and adapted to receive passengers, a collapsing superstructure mounted above said main structure, and means for lowering and raising said collapsing structure whereby the same has the appearance of a submersible boat, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

33. An illusion marine apparatus comprising a body of water, a suitable practically stationary structure arranged beneath said water and having the interior thereof constructed like that of a boat or steamer, port-holes in said structure and means for moving the water by the port-holes, afloor in said structure adapted to rock relatively to the horizontal plane, and means for rockingor moving said floor to give to the passengers the sensation of a rocking boat, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

3 An illusion marine apparatus comprisinga body of water, a suitable practically stationary structure arranged beneath said water and having the interior thereof constructed like that of a boat or steamer, port-holes in said structure and means for moving the water by the port-holes, afloor in said structure being provided with movable or rocking sections moving relatively to the horizontal plane, and means for moving or rocking the said floor-sections to give to the passengers the sensation of a rocking boat, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

35. An illusion marine apparatus comprising a body of water, a suitable practically stationary structure arranged beneath said water and having the interior thereof constructed like that of a boat or steamer, port-holes in said structure and means for moving the water by the port-holes, a floor in said structure being formed of hinged sections adapted to move relatively to the horizontal, and cams acting upon the said hinged sections for raising and lowering the same to give to the passengers the sensation of a rocking boat, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

36. An illusion marine apparatus comprising a main structure having the interior thereof constructed likethat of a boat or steamer, one or more of the interior walls of said structure being adapted for the passage of water therethrough, and transparent openings located in said wall or walls for viewing the passage of said water, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

37. An illusion marine apparatus comprising a submersible body, and a movable upper tenances of aship or boat, and means for translating said structure, when said body is submerged, through a certain path in the body of water and returning it to the submerged body to be raised thereby, and means for rocking said structure beneath'thc water as it travels through the same, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

39. An illusion marine apparatus comprising a submersible body, and a movable upper structure provided with certain parts or appu rtenances of a ship or boat, a cable attached to said movable structure and extending along a certain path in the body of water, and means for driving said cable to translate said structure when the body is submerged, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

40. An illusion marine apparatus comprising a submersible body, and a movable upper structure provided with certain parts or appurtenances of a ship or boat, a truck for the said movable structure and a path for the truck to move on, and means for translating said structure, when said body is submerged, through a certain path in the body of water and returning it to the said submersible body to be raised thereby, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

41. An illusion marine apparatus comprising a submersible body, and a movable upper structure provided with certain parts or appu rtenances of a ship or boat, a truck for the said movable structure and a path for the truck to move on, and means for translating said structure, when said body is submerged, through a certain path in the body of Water and returning it to the submerged body to be raised thereby, the said path or track over which the truck moves being formed with undulations to rock said structure as it travels beneath the water, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

42. The combination of a main structure, a collapsible superstructure or upper part mounted on said main structure and provided with means for lowering and raising it, and the said upper part being provided with transparent openings accessible to the view from the interior of the main structure for viewing the water therethrough when the said upper part is submerged, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

43. The combination of a main boat-like structure provided with a collapsible upper part or deck adapted to be lowered and raised in the water and means for lowering'and raising said part, and a second collapsible part or structure resembling the first-mentioned one and located some distance therefrom in the body of water and adapted tobe lowered and raised therein and means for lowering and raising it, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

44. An illusion marine apparatus com prising a submersible body, and amovable upper structure provided with certain parts or appurtenances of a ship or boat including a conningtower and a dummy head arranged within said tower and visible from the exterior thereof, and means for translating said structure, when said body is submerged, through a certain path in the body of water and returning it to the submerged body to be raised thereby, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of the two subscribing witnesses.

EDWARD C. BOYCE. Witnesses:

L. V. SPARKS,

WILLIS FOWLER. 

